Housing Bill "A Good Start" says SCSH

Scottish Council for Single Homeless (SCSH) today welcomed the publication of the Housing Bill in the Scottish Parliament. SCSH Director, Robert Aldridge , stated:

"Publication of the first Scottish Housing Bill since 1988 comes at a time when the latest figures show homelessness in Scotland has reached a high water mark. We particularly welcome the fact that tackling Homelessness comes as the first part of the new Housing bill – a recognition of the importance of tackling Homelessness in Scotland .

We are pleased that the legislative proposals include a minimum package of rights for all homeless people. SCSH welcomes the extended strategic role of local authorities in combating homelessness. However, we are also calling for sufficient investment in Housing to ensure an adequate supply of good quality, affordable homes across Scotland .

SCSH remain concerned that the Executive has not taken the opportunity to allow the Right to Buy to wither on the vine. SCSH does not want this right taken away from existing tenants but extending it will remove thousands of homes from the socially rented sector. We are disappointed that the Bill does not contain much about the owner-occupied or private rented sector. As the Bill passes through Parliament SCSH will be lobbying against the use of probationary tenancies.

Overall the Bill is a good start but there is some room for improvement."